Practical Dental Care Tips for Teens

Busy schedules and teens go together like toothbrushes and toothpaste. Unfortunately, for many teens, those two dental care items may be neglected in favor of sports and social activities. Without proper at-home dental care and routine visits to a family dentistry expert, many teens suffer from gum disease and risk losing their healthy smiles. Good dental care practices can prevent and sometimes reverse mild cases of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.

The following tips can help teens avoid the embarrassment of tooth loss. For more dental care tips for teens, talk to an affordable dentist in Springfield.

Brush twice daily and floss every day. This dental care regimen will prevent plaque buildup that leads to tooth decay and gum disease. Teens who wear braces or other orthodontic devices may need to brush after every meal and use special floss to effectively clean around brackets and wires. Keeping a small dental care kit in lockers or backpacks can be helpful. In addition to home care, regular visits to a family dentistry office and professional dental cleanings are essential.

Don’t use tobacco of any kind. Smoking and chewing tobacco have a number of serious health consequences such as various cancers, birth defects, cardiovascular problems, and emphysema. It can also cause tooth stains, tartar buildup, and bad breath after short-term use. After many years, tobacco habits are difficult to break, so it’s best to never start.

Eat healthy foods. Carbohydrate-based snacks and sugary drinks are bad for teens’ teeth. They create the perfect environment for plaque formation that leads to serious dental issues. It’s best to limit consumption of unhealthy snacks and drinks, and replace them with crunchy fruits and vegetables and plain water. When they do eat junk foods, teens should brush their teeth immediately afterwards.

Protect teeth with a mouth guard. Vigorous activities increase the risk of accidental injuries such as chipped teeth, split lips, and even tooth loss, so teens who are active in sports should wear mouth guards to protect their teeth. Protection is especially important for those who wear braces and other orthodontic devices. Night guards can prevent injuries from braces that occur during sleep.

To learn about our family dentistry practice in Springfield, call Gentle Dental of Springfield today at (484) 810-1247 or make an appointment.

Gentle Dental offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Springfield. With 14 affiliated practices in the Greater Philadelphia area, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Gentle Dental of Springfield, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Gentle Dental of Springfield.

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We accept most insurance plans and will be happy to help you understand the coverage that you have. We will do our best to see that you receive your maximum insurance benefits for all covered services.

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